Haystack Rock

Reed's co-worker mentioned that Thursday morning would be an extra low tide, so we walked down to Haystack Rock to check out the tidal pools.

Haystack Rock the day before.

Thursday Morning

Ms A and Haystack Rock with the low tide.

Ms A was a little hesistant, but she decided to pet her first sea star.
Sea Stars galore.

Gayla found a gull eating this sea star, the gull flew away and she showed us the sea star. We asked a volunteer if we could take it home, but she said no. Apparently, it would have a negative impact on the ecosystem, plus they smell real bad as they decompose.

Heading back to the hotel.

Beach Fun

We went to the beach Wednesday. Ms A ... COULD ... NOT ... wait to play in the sand. We grabbed our sand castle *tools* and went to play.

As we were looking for a play to play we noticed some people carving this sunken ship. It was interesting watching them build and shape this ship complete with two cannons.

In beach heaven!
Creating with Grandma.

All done. I love her pose.
She took her stick everywhere.

Ms A wanted to make a little maze, so we made a spiral one. She had a fun time going in and out of the spiral.

Grandma Gayla drew this mountain and tree picture complete with deer and flowers.

After a fun time playing in the sand, we watched the sunset.

Eagle Creek and Multnomah Falls

Reed's parents came to spend the week with us. We were so excited to see them and show them around. Tuesday morning they left with Ms A and Reed to check out Reed's favorite hike, Eagle Creek. The scenery was beautiful, but the water was a little too cold to play in for an extended amount of time.

They also stopped off at Multnomah Falls for some quick pictures and chocolate ice cream (Ms A's favorite part of the day).

Kindergarten Graduation

Ms A completed Kindergarten with a singing program on Friday (Aunt Sara came to see her sing a pleasant surprise for Ms A). Her classmates were adorable as they sang the some of songs they have learned this past year. After the program, we looked through her projects and workbooks and ate cake. She said her goodbyes to her friends with the promise of playdates this summer.
She was so sad to say goodbye to her teacher, friends, helpers and bus driver. We made cards for her teacher and bus driver. Her teacher sprinkled each of the kids with "First Grade Dust" to help them get ready for the new year. A wonderful idea, since she's a little tentative about being a first grader (and the homework). :)

We thought it would be fun to have her picture taken in the same clothes she wore the first day of school. Can you see a difference?!? I think she's grown a couple of inches.

September 8th, 2010

Of course, she loves to pose for the camera and we had a time before the bus came, so we had a little fun. To finish the exciting day, Grandma Gayla and Grandpa Allen surprised her when she came home on the bus.

Summer has *FINALLY* Arrived!

We have had a few days with no rain, so I think summer may make an appearance. Ms A and I enjoyed a sunny day looking at our pretty flowers. It felt wonderful to feel the sun and breathe some fresh air.

I love the layers of petals on my clematis plant.

What a beautiful little girl (who loves posing).

So delicate.

The next day it warmed up enough to play at our local water fountain. Ms A could NOT get ENOUGH time in the water.

I hope you have a fabulous summer.

How Do You Eat Your Pretzels?

Ms A loves to eat pretzels. She also loves guessing games and she's very creative. For the past few weeks she's combined these to loves. When I checked on her, I discovered her making shapes and letters out of her pretzel knots.
For those not versed in Pretzels shapes and letters they are as follows (left to right):
"f", half a heart, "a", "B" and "G" or "6". If I'd given her more, she would have spelled out her name. She likes to make fishes as well.